How to Table for Bernie Sanders

Contents

Sen. Bernie Sanders, our inspiration, is running for President! Our Revolution created this
tabling guide to help groups and activists spread the word. The most important thing you can
do is to volunteer with his campaign, but until the campaign starts in your community, tabling
is a tried-and-true method for reaching voters, recruiting volunteers, and building the political
revolution.

What is Tabling?

Tabling is when you set up a table with campaign or organizational literature, giveaway items,
and signs to spread a message. Tabling is a great tool to use in any activist campaign, especially
an electoral one.

Why Table?

Tabling is a great way to increase visibility, support, and awareness of Sen. Bernie Sanders’
presidential campaign and the issues he supports. It’s also a great opportunity to recruit
volunteers! Lots of people support a candidate and announce it on social media. While this
is a great way to reach people you already know, tabling allows you to connect with people
you may not know. We recommend promoting both Bernie Sanders and Our Revolution, the
organization founded to continue his legacy.

Where to Table?

Table where people go! We want to table in well-trafficked and highly populated areas, but also
where people will stop to chat. Tabling in front of a bus or train station might seem like a good
idea, but most passengers won’t give you the time of day (you should flyer instead). Look for
public events like farmers markets, fairs, progressive gatherings, or candidate events. Always
ask for permission to table before doing so.

Who Should Table?

Tabling is great opportunity for everyone to talk about what we believe and why we want
people to join our activities. It is great to have people team up in pairs (three is great too)
including someone who is more knowledgeable and someone who is newer. It is a good idea
to try to have some diversity in your team whether in age, gender, race, etc. Showing that Our
Revolution and Bernie Sanders supporters come from all walks of life will help us win.

What Should You Ask?

Not only are you telling people about what you like about Bernie, Our Revolution, and
progressive values, but you should also be ready to make an “ask.” An “ask” is an organizing
request designed to move a campaign forward.

Be prepared to ask people:

Will you support Bernie Sanders?

Will you volunteer with us? (Ideally, have another event to encourage them to attend)

Will you make a donation to Our Revolution?

What Should You Bring?

First, you want to bring a good attitude. Be positive even when people are being negative.
That will help you and the cause get through potential impasses and recruit activists. Folks are
turned off by negativity, even if it is correct. And don’t forget to Listen.

Second, you’ll want to bring the following items to help you get and keep attention:

Signs: Bring or make pro-Bernie and Our Revolution branded signs to show people what you are talking about.

Sign-in sheet: Print out a sign-in sheet for people to give you their contact information
(email, phone, address, etc), and if they’re interested in volunteering for Bernie with you.
Also a digital sign in form can be a good way to have people input data directly without any
handwriting issues. Make sure you have enough battery life or access to an outlet.

Literature: Provide literature - you can print information from the campaign website or Our
Revolution’s website to show people where Bernie stands on the issues.

Not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee. Our Revolution is a 501(c)(4) organization. Donations to Our Revolution are not deductible as charitable contributions for Federal income tax purposes. All donations are made to support Our Revolution’s general mission and are not designated for any specific activity.